Chiefs add RB Akeem Hunt to roster, drop C.J. Spiller again

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs released running back C.J. Spiller for the third time this month, clearing space on the roster for promoting running back Akeem Hunt from their practice squad.

The Kansas City Chiefs promoted running back Akeem Hunt to the active roster from their practice squad ahead of their Sept. 17 home opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. (Photo courtesy Texans PR, HoustonTexans.com)

Hunt provides a utility that Spiller lacks — an ability to contribute in all phases of special teams. The Chiefs appear in need of additional special teams depth due to the season-ending injury to Eric Berry.

Berry’s absence means additional duties for safeties Daniel Sorensen and Eric Murray. Both players took part in 32 snaps each on special teams a week ago. Sorensen also played 28 snaps on defense, while Murray played 13. Berry played 70 defensive snaps.

The Chiefs added the 5-f00t, 10-inch, 185-pound Hunt to the practice squad Sept. 5. He signed with the New York Giants in 2015 as an undrafted free agent from Purdue. He started the season on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. He joined the Houston Texans in the second half of the 2015 season after a brief stint on the Baltimore practice squad.

Hunt played eight games with one start the last two seasons with Houston. He has 37 carries for 205 yards in his career along with nine catches for 68 yards.

The move makes it appear likely Hunt is active for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Spiller received his release for the third time this month from the Chiefs. The team initially released Spiller on Sept. 2 during the cutdown to 53 players for opening the season. The move allowed the Chiefs to transition cornerback Steven Nelson to injured reserve with a designation to return later in the season.

The team re-signed Spiller Sept. 4, but released the eight-year veteran before the season opener against New England Sept. 7. That move meant Spiller’s 2017 contract would not be guaranteed. The team re-signed the running back two days later.

Spiller could return to the Chiefs yet again if their running back needs change and no other team signs the veteran back in the meantime.

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Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.